Abstract

In 1990 a group of people came together to share an extraordinary ambition – to construct a brand new Peppercorn A1 Pacific steam locomotive. They formed The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust and after nineteen years of incredible effort that locomotive, No. 60163 Tornado, moved under its own power for the first time in 2008.

Rob’s talk will tell the story of Tornado’s construction, and recent operations, an amazing tale of cooperation, skill and sheer hard graft which defied the critics who said it could never be done. The A1 Trust has over 2500 regular supporters (covenantors) who have all played some part, small or large, in guaranteeing that we have steam on the main line in the 21st Century.

Rob Morland is a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the IET . He has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust since 1993, when he created the first electronic project plan for the locomotive construction. In 2006, with the engine nearly complete, he took on the role of Director, Electricals and designed and built an all-new electrical system for the locomotive. Over the past three years he has designed and built another new electrical system, this time for the A1 Trust’s rebuilt support coach. He now maintains both systems, alongside being a regular member of the A1 support crew, looking after the engine on main line tours and preserved railways around the UK. Rob is now actively involved in planning the A1 Trust’s latest project – to build a Gresley P2, to be called “Prince of Wales”.